Mumbai: No bar on dahi handi height, kids below 14 not allowed

While dahi handi mandals are happy with the HC’s refusal to restrict the height of the human pyramids, they are disappointed with the ban on Bal Govindas below 14 years

| TNN | Aug 10, 2017, 01.00 AM IST

A dahi handi celebration in the city (File picture, for representation only)

The festival of fun and high-powered adrenaline is around the corner. As Janmashtami nears, the city's streets and crossroads will be abuzz with the activity of enthused folks forming human pyramids. But this time around, there are mixed emotions among the dahi handi mandals — while they're happy that there will be no curbs on the height of human pyramids formed to break the pots, a feeling of disappointment is also in the air. The Bombay High Court on Monday declined to restrict the height of the dahi handis, but accepted the Maharashtra government's statement before the court that children below 14 years of age would not be permitted to take part as Govindas. This has left the dahi handi groups in the city feeling let down.

'Why should we make all the adjustments all the time?'
Geeta Zagade team leader of the Mahila sports club at Vile Parle, doesn't mince words on the issue. "While we will make sure we have no Govinda below 14 years, every year there is some new rule about the age, etc and we adhere to it. Why should we make adjustments and compromise all the time? A few years ago, we even made it 18 years as per the court orders. Those who oppose the dahi mandals should understand that we know how to maintain safety of the participants. We have made a `10 lakh-insurance for the whole team this year. Earlier, it was `25,000 for hospitalisation and a `2.5 lakh claim. We revised it, made changes and got a `10 lakh claim for each participant and a lakh for hospitalisation. We also sent letters to other organisations that they must have safety measures in place with harnesses, chest guards, cushions, mattresses and more. Our aim is zero injuries, so it's time that people who oppose us not interfere in things. We know how to play, leave it to us. That said, we are glad that height restrictions have been lifted on the pyramids. We will continue to train youngsters even if they cannot climb, because you cannot begin the training at the age of 14," she states.

'Climbing the height of four-five storeys is not tough'

Mahendra Umbarkar, treasurer, the Om Bajrang Krida Mandal at Kurla, feels that climbing to the height of four or five storeys is not such an insurmountable task. "That height coupled with all the safety precautions makes it safe for younger Govindas to climb, so we are a little disappointed with the new ruling by the HC. We had already trained Bal Govindas for the last 15 days, hoping that they will get permission to climb. But we will adhere to the court order and won't go against that."
Adds Arun Patil, coach of the dahi handi mandal at Tarwadi, Mazagon, "We had hoped the age limit would come down to 12 years for the Bal Govindas, which has happened in the past. We have also improved our training with new techniques and settings. There is a lot of hard work involved with intense practice. Let's hope that in future, younger Govindas (12 years) are allowed to take part."

Height no bar
Abhishek Surve, legal advisor for city dahi handi co-ordination committee, feels that the other aspect — lifting a curb on pyramid height is cause to celebrate. "The main hurdle was the height restriction and the High Court has lifted this, which is laudable. The height is open now, so dahi handi will be more adventurous this year and the festival will be celebrated with more freedom and joy," he says.

Court says...
The Bombay High Court on Monday declined to issue restrictions on the age of Govindas and the height of dahi handi pyramids. It accepted the state government's statement that kids below 14 will not be allowed to participate. The court said it is for the state government to enact legislation in that respect.

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